Omaha Boy Scout to be honored for life-saving acts

An eastern Nebraska teenager is being singled out for a special award this week.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation will present its American Spirit Award to Jack Pape, a 17-year-old Boy Scout from Omaha.

The high school junior will be recognized at a ceremony Friday for his heroic efforts -twice- in recent years. Pape helped provide first aid to other scouts injured when a tornado hit a western Iowa scout camp in 2008 and in 2009, he perfomed CPR on a boy who stopped breathing while at a hotel swimming pool.

The American Spirit Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary skill, professionalism and a spirit of excellence in a challenging situation.

On his actions, Pape says, quote, “I didn’t think about it. I just did what needed to be done.”